ICYMI: Nail polish is basically an accessory. Kind of like a hairstyle, it’s with you no matter what you are wearing …at least for the week. But that doesn’t mean you should only wear nude for fear of clashing. Here are a few tips to choosing the perfect shade, as well as my personal rotation of favorite and most versatile colors to wear throughout the year. Non-toxic of course.
CONSIDER YOUR SKIN TONE
No matter how trendy a color is, if it washes you out, makes you look “dead” or sallow - it’s not for you. But keep trying! Undertones can be hard to detect at first, so finding the perfect version of a color might require sampling a few similar shades.
CONSIDER YOUR NAIL LENGTH
Personally, I find nudes, neutrals and tans to look the most chic on longer nails. Short nails feel fabulous dipped in a bright or super dark shade. Although I love a dramatic color on a longer nail too!
CONSIDER YOUR VIBE
I tend to stick with a short rotation of colors, dictated largely on the weather. Pale winter skin looks great with a super deep navy, plum or anything almost black. Taupes and mauves are always fitting for fall, and shades of red work year round. In the summer, an orange based red can really pop, but a nude that’s slightly lighter than your skin can also emphasize a tan. Off to an island vacay? Maybe now is the time to experiment with a funky lavender or neon that you may not want to wear to the office.
MY PERSONAL FAVORITES BY SEASON
You’ll see a trend here… my 3rd favorite non-toxic brand was Smith & Cult. I wore “Kundalini Hustle” forever! Sadly, they’ve now shuttered but between the collection below, I’m stocked year round. I was very excited to try Dazzle Dry because they promise a speedy dry time (and on that, they deliver!) but was very disappointed to discover that despite buying the whole prep set and following their special instructions to the letter (several times before writing them off) they always chipped within 24 hours. File the brand under “I tried it so you don’t have to!” But not to worry - I find that the brands truly perform and just have the best colors.
WINTER
Deborah Lippmann “Pose” - The Gel Lab Pro collection is worth the hype! Lasts and dries glossy and fabulous.
Zoya “Natty” This color was actually called after me, eons ago when I met the Zoya team backstage at Fashion Week. I still hold it near and dear, and it’s the perfect navy for winter.
SPRING
Essie Treat Love & Color in “Treat Me Bright” One of my favorites for when I travel, no base or top coat required and if it does chip (which won’t happen quickly) it barely shows.
SUMMER
Liberation Nails “Arrival” - Obsessed w/ this brand for being 21-toxin free AND having killer colors
Liberation Nails “4th Dimension” - Fab with a bikini
FALL
Liberation Nails Victoria Forever I find this one to be universally flattering, regardless of tan-status or skin tone
Liberation Nails “Temple” Breaking my own “rules” and finding this perfect right now, in February!
HOLIDAY
Deborah Lippman “Single Ladies”- Love a good deep, wine red for this time of year.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro “Nothing Compares 2 U” - Like champagne, but for your nails. Lasts for ages (and requires some extra effort to remove also.)